Latest news with #Ranita
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah ideal for renewable energy investors
Published on: Monday, June 09, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 09, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Ranita (right) and Saiful (second right) with panelist Head of ESG/Sustainability at MARC Solutions Sdn Bhd, Leslie Jong Vui Min (second left). Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is a viable destination for renewable energy investment, with the potential to leverage the debt capital markets to finance major green infrastructure projects. Speaking during the Fireside Chat: Opening Doors to Renewable Energy Projects Through the Debt Capital Markets, recently, Maybank's Head of ESG Strategy and Solutions, Ranita Abdullah, said the state has already demonstrated its ability to attract green financing. Advertisement 'There's historical precedent and market appetite. Sabah is positioned to scale up its renewable portfolio, especially in solar and hydro, with appropriate financial structuring,' she said, adding that Maybank has mobilized RM160 billion in sustainable finance since 2021. She said, debt capital markets are expected to play a significant role in financing the next wave of renewable energy projects. 'Green sukuk and bonds offer long-term fixed-rate structures and access to a broader investor base. Financial institutions are more than ready. 'What matters is project quality. We assess off-take risk, regulatory certainty, and long-term viability,' Ranita said. Advertisement Director of Strategic Planning at the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Saiful Hakim Abdul Rahman said in Sabah, connectivity remains a major constraint. 'Sabah's resources are largely in remote areas. The challenge lies in grid access and infrastructure. A green grid will improve transmission capacity and integrate distributed renewable sources. 'Sabah has higher renewable resource diversity compared to Peninsular Malaysia, including potential in hydro, bioenergy, geothermal, and ocean energy. 'However, the state has underperformed in bioenergy uptake, due largely to feedstock inconsistency and scale challenges. 'Most bioenergy projects require long-term feedstock supply at fixed costs. Without vertical integration, this is difficult to secure,' he said. It was highlighted that solar energy has become the preferred option for Sabah due to its scalability, declining costs, and shorter development time. Compared to hydro or bioenergy, which often require significant lead time, environmental assessments, and infrastructure buildout, solar installations can be deployed more rapidly and are less site-constrained. Sabah's high solar irradiance also supports consistent generation potential, making it attractive for investors seeking predictable returns. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Maybank steps up to power Sabah's renewable energy transition
Ranita Abdullah KOTA KINABALU (May 14): As Sabah accelerates its shift toward renewable energy, Maybank is stepping up as a strategic financial partner, offering full-spectrum support from project advisory to green capital mobilisation. In an exclusive interview with The Borneo Post, Ranita Abdullah, Head of ESG Strategy & Solutions at Maybank's Group Global Banking, said the bank is committed to helping Sabah unlock its green potential. 'We aim to be our clients' transition partner of choice. Whether it's decarbonising existing operations or developing new renewable infrastructure, we're there from start to finish,' said Ranita. Maybank's expertise spans the full project lifecycle — from advisory and structuring to arranging green capital. The bank has led numerous renewable energy financings, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia under the Large Scale Solar (LSS) programme. However, Sabah has its own pioneering green finance track record. 'Sabah issued the world's first green SRI Sukuk in 2017 for Tadau Energy, followed by Telekosang in 2019. Green finance is not new to the state,' she noted. Maybank often begins its involvement at the advisory stage, helping clients structure projects to be bankable. 'For example, we supported Malakoff in developing its sustainable finance framework — giving investors confidence that the projects meet ESG standards,' said Ranita. Once viable, projects can proceed to green Sukuk issuance, a Shariah-compliant investment tool increasingly favored by ESG investors. 'These instruments attract capital from funds specifically mandated to invest in sustainable assets, often at better borrowing costs,' she explained. Sabah's Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040, which targets 50% renewable energy capacity by 2035 and 80% by 2050 (up from the current 9%), is a strong draw for investors. 'Ambitious goals show serious commitment — now it's about execution,' she said. Among Sabah's biggest hurdles is its limited grid infrastructure. The state's reliance on a single East-West 275kV transmission line poses a major bottleneck. 'Without a southern link and expanded grid connectivity, many renewable projects — especially in Sandakan and Tawau — will remain stranded,' Ranita cautioned. She welcomed transitional solutions like the 400MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Lahad Datu, expected mid-2025, but stressed the need for long-term grid investments. Regulatory clarity is another key concern. 'Standardised approvals, streamlined licensing, and predictable policies are vital. The one-stop centre under ECOS is a great start,' she added. Aligning with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) is also critical for investor confidence. 'Sabah is not just part of the national target — it's essential to achieving it,' said Ranita. Beyond hydropower, Sabah holds strong promise in solar and biomass. Maybank plans to catalyse private interest with innovative financial solutions. 'Many LSS Sabah winners secured capacities as low as 5MW. We can bundle these under an SPV to issue a collective green Sukuk — that's the kind of innovation we bring,' she explained. Maybank also aims to connect Islamic investors with viable Sabah projects, leveraging its network and on-the-ground expertise. 'We're bullish on Sabah's future. With the right infrastructure, policy clarity, and partnerships, Sabah can become a regional leader in sustainable energy,' Ranita concluded.
Emirates Woman
21-02-2025
- Emirates Woman
7 otherworldly resorts within a short flight of Dubai that don't feel real
Life by Alice Holtham-Pargin 1 min ago If you're thinking about jetting off for a mini-break, you don't have to go to far-flung destinations for a hotel stay with endless wow-factor. In fact, right on the doorstep of the UAE there are some seriously awe-inspiring resorts just waiting to be discovered. And no – these aren't AI images: Just 7 dreamy resorts ideal for short-haul trips from the UAE. Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman This unique resort nestled in a private bay in the Musandam peninsula in Oman is the perfect escape for retreating somewhere worlds away from city life. Rooted in Six Senses' wellness-driven DNA, the resort is laid out like a traditional Omani village, laced with luxury touches. Think villas with private pools, a spa that serves as a healing wellness sanctuary inspired by local traditions, and experiences that range from private dining by the sea or atop or a mountain to paragliding or scuba diving. Room rates from AED3,786. Shebara, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shebara (@shebara) One of the world's most exciting tourism destinations lies just three hours via direct flight from Dubai. In Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, a growing-number of luxury island and desert resorts are becoming total Instagram fodder, with their dazzling villas, gourmet dining options, and focus on sustainable luxury tourism. The crowning jewel is Shebara, a futuristically-designed resort where guests stay in spaceship-like villas on the beachfront or over shimmering azure waters. Bucket list experiences include snorkeling, dolphin spotting, and rejuvenating wellness experiences at the beautiful spa. Room rates from Dhs9,105. Our Habitas Ras Abrouq, Qatar View this post on Instagram A post shared by OUR HABITAS (@our_habitas) From humble beginnings as a community-driven event in Tulum, Mexico, Habitas has paved the way for a new genre of experiential hotel rooted in connection and community. The brand's expansion across the Middle East first saw the introduction of a duo of Saudi hotels, and now you can also find the boho-luxe hospitality brand in Qatar, an hour flight and then an hour drive from Dubai. Here in a remote part of the desert, Our Habitas Ras Abrouq weaves local creativity and soul into a resort of gorgeous villas with private pools, a stretching swimming pool and farm-to-table dining. Room rates from AED2,328. Memories Aicha Wadi Rum, Jordan View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranita (@travelwith_rani) From historic Petra to incredible diving in Aqaba and the foodie capital of Amman, Jordan is a great destination for a long weekend from Dubai. Located just three hours away from the UAE, if you're looking to live like you've travelled to another planet, the flame-hued Wadi Rum in Jordan's south is where to go. Also known as 'the valley of the moon' this dramatic desert landscape spans 280 square miles, and is home to a handful of luxury camps that make you feel like you're living on Mars. Check-in to Memories Aicha for dome tents with panoramic views in a secluded valley, where experiences include jeep tours, Bedouin-inspired dinners, and horse riding. Room rates from AED1,295. Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur While it might be located in the heart of bustling Jaipur, a three-hour, short-haul flight from Dubai, this former aristocratic palace turned five-star hotel is set in 18 acres of landscaped gardens, so you still feel worlds away from the city. Adorned in feminine shades of cream and pink, it's a pretty backdrop for a regal stay that allows you to explore the rich cultural and culinary scenes of Jaipur. The hotel itself, part of Taj Hotels, features an inviting outdoor pool, garden pursuits and dining that ranges from grand afternoon teas to romantic private dinners. While on the doorstep, guests can discover the breathtaking architecture of local forts, palaces and the historic bazaar's. Room rates from AED5,525. Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia The historic AlUla desert is a destination of diverse natural heritage, packed with fascinating historical and archeological sites. For Centuries it's served as historic and important meeting point, and now just a three-hour flight from Dubai, it's more accessible than ever for fans of history, culture and luxury hospitality. Stay at Banyan Tree AlUla for Bedouin-inspired luxury, where you can take a dip in the rock pool carved between the mountains, enjoy wellness treatments inspired by timeless local practices, and journey off-site for helicopter tours, jeep drives, art-led tours, and fascinating heritage walks led by expert guides. Room rates from AED 2,645. Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman For those looking to embrace the great outdoors, the mountainous backdrop of Alila Jabal Akhdar is the luxe retreat your travel lust list needs. Perched 2,000 meters above sea level and accessible via a 2-hour drive from Muscat (a 40-minute flight form Dubai) this sensational mountain retreat pairs five-star luxury with jaw-dropping nature. Fans of exhilarating experiences can look forward to rock climbing or scenic hikes, while those looking to drop-and-flop can enjoy a jaw-dropping pool and pampering wellness experiences. Room rates from Dhs2,865. Feynan Ecolodge, Jordan A first-of-its-kind boutique eco-lodge, this hidden retreat is found at the bottom of Wadi Dana on Jordan's west coast. What it lacks in accessibility (it's found a 20-minute drive from the nearest road) it makes up for in off-grid wow-factor, with 26 individually-designed guest rooms, a restaurant serving local Arabic flavours, and a panoramic rooftop terrace that gazes over the stretching desert. You can spend days exploring the vast local scenery with hikes and mountain biking, or immerse in the local culture with cooking classes, stargazing, or spending days with residents to learn more about the fascinating way of life for locals. Room rates from AED780. @feynanecolodge Lead image: Banyan Tree, @ Our Habitas
